Walking back to happiness, woopah, oh yeah, yeah

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You’ve always wanted a bit more adventure in your life, but something’s always held you back. But guess what? I know what that something is, or more accurately, I know who it is. Yes, it’s you! We all hold ourselves back, but usually we’re not comfortable with admitting that, so we come up with a great ... Read more

Book review – Where There’s A Will, by Emily Chappell

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A  breed  apart Ultra-distance cyclists are a breed apart from the rest of us, and are uniformly characterised with an almost grim determination. Emily Chappell is certainly no exception. In common with many (though certainly not all) such riders, Chappell seems to be a remarkably humble human being. Not  your  normal  ultra-distance  book I’ve read ... Read more

You had me at velo…

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Valentine’s Day. Ah, the sweet joys of unbridled romance. Life doesn’t get any better, does it? Well, seeing as you asked, of course it does! You see, you cannot take the person that makes your heart flutter out for a romantic meal, in some little gem of a restaurant, because COVID’s ruined all those plans. You ... Read more

Back To Basics – How to carry luggage on a bike

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There are different reasons for carrying luggage on the bike, ranging from commuting, to shopping and touring. Obviously, cargo bikes are an option, as are trailers, but in this post I want to focus on luggage being carried on a “normal” bike. When I first started cycle commuting, I simply carried a backpack, and indeed, ... Read more

SheCycles – Annie Cohen Kopchovsky

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Cycling, if cycling media, events and companies are to be believed, is a man’s game. Obviously, that perception is absolutely wrong – after all, cycling was central to the emancipation of women – but sadly that’s a perception that persists in so many people’s lives. Susan B Anthony, a suffragette, said it best: “I think it ... Read more

I’m not anti-social – I’m pro-solitude

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I lived decades of my life believing I’m anti-social, that I simply don’t possess the social skills others have. Some of my happiest memories are of me as a kid, in South Africa going off – all on my own –  into the mountains on the edge of town. Just a barefooted boy, having an adventure. Confusingly, ... Read more

Cold-weather camping – a new frontier to me

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I’ve done lots of wild-camping in my life. Interestingly, wild-camping is a term I only learned after moving to the UK. In South Africa wild-camping is what you mean when you say you’re going camping. My wild-camping experiences include only carrying a small daypack, with water and food and almost nothing else, and simply sleeping ... Read more

Book review – Endless Perfect Circles, by Ian Walker

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Dr Ian Walker is quite well known on Cycling Twitter, being an ardent advocate for cycling, and usually being the voice of reason. Though an obviously very intelligent man, the impression Ian Walker mostly creates is that of a humble and kind human being. For reasons I cannot begin to understand, these are strong characteristics ... Read more

Charging your phone while cycling

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Some consider them a curse, but it’s very hard to argue against the very real benefits smartphones bring to our lives. Whether it’s accessing social media, or taking a photo, most of us are using our phones all the time, and that simply means it’s quite easy to totally drain your phone’s battery during a ... Read more

Making a route guide

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What actually goes into making a route guide? For me, it begins with research – what sort of route am I thinking of? Do I want a traffic-free and family-friendly route, a fast, hilly and challenging road route, or a leisurely slow route, perhaps with a picnic at the end? Once I know that, I ... Read more

The miracle treatment!

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What would you say if I told you I found a miracle treatment for stress, anxiety, depression, and a number of other ailments? A treatment that’s scientific, and proven through peer-reviewed research? Would you want to have it prescribed? I’ve long believed that cycling is not only good for my body, but also for my ... Read more

Camel Trail, Wenford branch

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When you cycle the Camel Trail, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular – it really is a very beautiful route. If you pick the date to ride it well, it simply is one of the best leisurely bike rides you can do. Almost perfectly flat, with stunning views and plenty of picnic spots ... Read more

DayCycle – Grand Western Canal

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Grand Western Canal cycle route overall rating: (Colour explanation: blue = good, yellow indicates some warning, and red indicates issues to be aware of) The Grand Western Canal was originally intended as part of a far larger canal network, to create a canal link to the English Channel. Only part of the canal survives, and ... Read more

DayCycle – Bere Ferers Loop – stunning views over 2 rivers, along an 8-mile, hilly route

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7.9 miles, hilly, on rural green lanes with very little traffic, but shared with cars Bere Ferrers is essentially situated on near-enough a pensinsula, cradled between the Tavy and Tamar rivers. This cycle route is a true hidden gem, and offers some spectacular views. By car, getting to the start is quite a trek along ... Read more

DayCycle – Dawlish to Exeter St Davids

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Dawlish to Exeter cycle route overall rating: B3⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you’re looking for a stunning day out, this is the route for you. At 14 miles in length, it offers spectacular sea views, quaint waterside villages, and even canalside cycling. Overall, the route is very flat, but it does have a section that tops out at ... Read more
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